"We think that's a sign:" Kenosha home has major wind damage but one item remains untouched

KENOSHA CO. (WITI) -- The National Weather Service says a cluster of thunderstorms strengthened over southeast Wisconsin late Saturday, July 12th -- and one turned severe in Kenosha. In that short time, the weather split trees and uprooted some -- the damage caused by straight line winds.

When the storm reached central and eastern Kenosha County around 10:30 p.m., it produced wind damage.

While the posted speed limit may be 30 mph, the winds didn't care -- churning an estimated 80 to 100 miles per hour. Turning a fence into a projectile, launching it into the second floor of a home.

"There's parts of fences all over," says Bill Evans, homeowner.

Evans is still looking for parts of his.

"The piece of fence laying there," says Evans.

He was hoping to trim the branches near his 22,000 gallon pool. Mother nature made more severe cuts -- now it's the trees taking a dip there.

Some of his home's siding was bent in by the force that managed to tear through the inside of his home, ripping out some of the drywall inside.

"Must have come through this way and just sheered everything," says Evans.

His basketball hoop, once stood vertical, now stands horizontal. Golf balls were scattered across the lawn, but the winds passed up some spots.

"The angle back here never moved ... so we think that's a sign," says Evans.

Fortunately, the only things harmed, can be replaced.

"We count our blessings that no one got hurt," says Evans.

The damage was isolated to about a four block area -- again, there are no reports of injuries.

From reports submitted to the National Weather Service over Facebook and Twitter, officials estimated a 3.6 mile west to east path of tree, roof, fence and power line damage in the City of Kenosha. The damage was located just south of Highway 50 and east of Green Bay Road.

 



 

 

NWS officials say a storm survey may be conducted Sunday as there are radar indications a portion of the damage may have been caused by a weak tornado.

The below radar animation shows the rapidly intensifying thunderstorm between about 10:20 pm and 10:30 pm CDT.  The bulk of the damage in Kenosha occurred between 10:25 pm and 10:35 pm CDT.